News

UD Investigating Possible Sexual Assault

The University of Dayton and the Dayton Police Department are investigating a possible sexual assault of a student in the early morning hours of Feb. 16.

University officials believe the incident may have occurred during sorority pre-initiation activities, which have been taking place all week within the Greek community on campus. UD public safety officials have interviewed several students who may have information about the events leading to the incident.

The Dayton Police Department is conducting its own criminal investigation. Police have no suspects in the incident at this time.

The University has suspended the sorority involved during a campus investigation and will be taking severe disciplinary action against any students violating University policies.

"We're still gathering information as to what may have happened to this student," said William C. Schuerman, vice president for student development and dean of students. "What we do know is that there was some intolerable behavior that involved alcohol during what appears to be a sorority-related event. We immediately will consider charges of alcohol and other student code violations up to and including suspension and continue the investigation into the reported sexual assault."

The events took place between 10 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 16 at a house in the student neighborhood. When the student returned to her room, she told other students she believed she had been sexually assaulted and was taken to Miami Valley Hospital.

"The alleged behaviors are an offense against the very core of our institutional values and cannot be excused or tolerated," Schuerman said.